reapplying interns - the "old maids" of the process?

[byathread]

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As a MS who recently did not match for advanced or even prelim medicine residency and had to scramble for a very small community internship I was wondering if you all could help me get into the minds of PD's when reapplying this next season...

Is it many people's impression that applicants coming off of an internship are viewed as "damaged goods" and fresh meat is desired more or does experience earn any brownie points (even if it is from a small program)?

Unfortunately my board scores are terrible (S1 79/ S2 85) but I'm trying to put together a plan already for next year and cast a MUCH wider (read: REDICULOUSLY WIDE) net next year so as not to face the same beyond nightmare-ish situation I did this year.

Thoughts welcome. Thanks

 

[Annoyances]

to a certain degree they do see u as "damaged" goods and prefer those fresh out of medschool particularly when board scores are concerned. Its all about GRADES these days. Lets say u take S3 this year and do REALLY well u just might be able to impress them also do well at ur current internship since they'll probably contact that PD to ask about u etc. So for now do well at what u have in that u cannot change the past and reapply when the time comes. You come up with a strategy and apply to as many places as possible but just remember being as how ull be working it will be difficult to interview. Its not like medschool where u can miss a day here and there. This internship is a job and u may have to try and get easy lenient elective or be on vacation during that time or a combination of both. Good luck

 

[danielmd06]

Its all about GRADES these days.

You know, there really is some truth to this, despite the fact that so many people deny it. What seems so ironic for me now (two years after USMLE Step I) is how ridiculously useless it turned out to be in my experience predicting the quality of residents so many of us (me, some friends, and the people I work with) became.

It actually reminds me of the MCAT. Two years into medical school and it was like...who cares?

To the OP, just work as hard as you can to learn as much as you can this year. Try to polish up your USMLE Step 3 (since it seems the standardized tests hurt you in the first round). I think you'll be fine.

Best wishes.

 

[Ice-1]

As a MS who recently did not match for advanced or even prelim medicine residency and had to scramble for a very small community internship I was wondering if you all could help me get into the minds of PD's when reapplying this next season...

Is it many people's impression that applicants coming off of an internship are viewed as "damaged goods" and fresh meat is desired more or does experience earn any brownie points (even if it is from a small program)?

Unfortunately my board scores are terrible (S1 79/ S2 85) but I'm trying to put together a plan already for next year and cast a MUCH wider (read: REDICULOUSLY WIDE) net next year so as not to face the same beyond nightmare-ish situation I did this year.

Thoughts welcome. Thanks

It probably seems pretty dark right now but in 5 years none of this is going to matter. Your patients are not going to be asking you what you made on boards or where you did residency. One of the above posters is really right about resident quality and board scores, I know some with great scores that I'd never let touch me and some that have average (or below) scores that are going to be great. Don't define or limit yourself by standardized test scores and you won't encourage others to do so

 

[Calilove]

So true.... entering my last year of residency, I have seen students that have failed Step 1 twice become STARS on the wards!!! and those that have 240+s on exams come off as idiots when its time to perform clinically. What matters is that you PASS your boards in the end. Take step 3 early, pass it. The only reason that a P.D. would balk at your application is because far too often they take residents with even average board scores that end up failing Step 3 multiple times during training and end up not being able to be progressed to the next year. This leaves them with a gap in the schedules (call, rotation, etc.). It has happened to many people. Some have had to sit out for 2 years, just waiting for another spot to open up. Just pass your Step 3, and apply broadly... you'll find a spot somewhere.

 

[DeLaughterDO]

Doing an internship, reapplied, got 1st choice for next year.

Good luck with your re-applications!

jd